Read more of cultivation of Aerangis verdickii (De Wild.) Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
2500-4500 fc. Light should be somewhat filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 80-81F (27C), and nights average 59-60F (15-16C), with a diurnal range of 21F (12C). Because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to temperatures a few degrees cooler or as much as 12F (7C) warmer than indicated in the preceding climate table.
Humidity:
60-65% in summer and early autumn, dropping to 50-55% from late autumn through the following spring. Averages in the habitat are probably somewhat greater than indicated in the preceding climate table, however.
Water:
Rainfall in the habitat is moderate from late spring into early autumn. Amounts then drop fairly rapidly into a dry season that extends from mid autumn into early spring. Cultivated plants should watered regularly while actively growing, but their roots should be able to dry fairly rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced after new growth has matured in late autumn.
Fertilizer:
1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year; but others use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 67-71F (19-22C), and nights average 36-41F (2-5C), with a diurnal range of 30-31F (17C). Growers are reminded that these plants should adapt to temperatures a few degrees cooler or as much as 12F (7C) warmer than indicated in the preceding climate table. Rainfall in the habitat is low for 5-6 months from mid autumn into early spring, but humidity is high enough so that the large range in temperatures results in heavy dew and late-night and early-morning mist during most of the dry season. Water should be greatly reduced for cultivated plants in winter, but they should not be left completely without water for long periods. If humidity is high, occasional early-morning mistings between infrequent light waterings should provide sufficient moisture in most growing areas. Fertilizer should be eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
Growing media:
As with most Aerangis species, Aerangis verdickii probably is more easily managed and the pendent flower spikes are more easily displayed when plants are mounted on slabs of tree-fern or rough bark. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather they may need several waterings a day. If it is difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, they may be grown in a shallow pot or basket filled with a very open, fast-draining medium that has excellent drainage, is well aerated, and allows the medium to dry fairly rapidly after watering. Growers generally use coarse fir bark or shredded tree-fern fiber and add varying amounts of chunky perlite and/or chopped sphagnum moss to keep the medium open and retain some moisture in exceptionally dry areas. Including charcoal in the mix also holds the medium open and prevents souring in the pot. Plants should be repotted immediately if the medium starts to break down or whenever the plant outgrows its container. Repotting should be done just as new roots start to grow. This enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time.
Notes:
la Croix & la Croix (1997) stated, "It grows easily (as perhaps might be expected from its wide altitudinal range) and flowers regularly. Intermediate temperatures seem to suit it, but it needs fairly good light and must be kept dry in winter to avoid stem rot, the greatest risk." Growers report that these plants are in bloom for a long time.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
